Maui wedding/reception Venue: Gannon's vs. Napili Kai/Sea House, need help to decide

sachachowchow

Hello, 

I am planning an early December wedding in Maui. Time is really sneaking up on me.  

I have looked at Gannon's and Napili Kai for wedding venue and reception. Both place are available for the day I am looking for.  The dilemma is which is better?  Gannon's with great view, food, service, and Wailea's good weather in December.  Vs. Napili Kai with beach side venue, casual ambiance, good food via Sea House, cheaper lodging for guests and Napili Beach!  I Can't decide.  Need imput. Please help!

racholas

I don't know either place, but I can say that affordable lodging has been an issue for a lot of my guests (and,consequently, non-guests).  So, if you choose to have your wedding at the more expensive venue, I would definitely do the research to find some good options for your guests across a range of prices.  I assume HI can be pricey in December.

That said, weather and food are really important to many couples, so it's understandable that you would prioritize that over making it affordable for your guests.

Which one can you picture your wedding at?

FSForever

I can't comment on Napili Kai , and although we are having our wedding at Gannon's we haven't been there yet. Its hard when you haven't seen the places and are going just on reviews and pictures. I will tell you that one of the reasons we picked Gannon's was for the location and the whole package. They are right above the beach so getting married on the beach and knowing the reception is just a short drive up the hill was a plus. I have talked to other brides who married on the knoll at Gannon's and then drove down the hill for pictures, so that is also an option. As far as lodging we are staying at Kamaole Sands. It is very affordable and we picked it so that our guests didn't have to spend a lot on lodging but they seem to offer a lot in regards to some of the pricey resorts. I have heard from a few of our vendors that it is a ten min. drive to our ceremony/reception. I hope this helps. 

kimmykupcakes

Sorry, I'm not any help either. I don't know enough about those places to give my 2 cents.

kaesha

Well, if you go with Gannon's, you can refer guests to stay in condos in the Kihei area. Those are significantly cheaper than accommodations in Wailea!

I love the area north of Ka'anapali. We always stay in Kahana (just south of Napili), but you do run a real risk with the weather. It sprinkles just about every day in that area (which means you get amazing rainbows) at unpredicatble times. Having said that, we got married at Olowalu and got sprinkled on too - in the driest month of the year, so it just goes to show you that you never know what will happen.

AKWinterBride

Alyson is spot on, Gannon's is a great choice.  It's a beautiful venue and Kihei is very much a more 'down to earth' town than say Wailea or the touristy areas up on the NorthWest side of the island.  There are plenty of gorgeous and reasonably priced condos right there and seriously - Gannon's is stunning. 

If you are on Facebook go to photographer James Rubio's page and check out my friend Jocelyn's wedding at Gannons.  She got married a few months ago and her wedding was amazing and it will give you a good feel for what Gannon's ceremony area looks like. 

aprilgh

I have not been to Gannon's but I have been to Napili often as we had a condo in Kahana for many years, I would recommend it!!! It will be my back up beach in case of construction where we're staying. Good luck!!! You can't go wrong on Maui!!

aprilgh

I wanted to add... at the Seahouse, there are lots of small birds that fly in and out of the restaurant... kids love them but I think it's kind of gross, but, I understand as it is an "open" restaurant so it's hard to keep them out. Just something to think about if that type of thing would bother you or not, if you choose to use the restaurant services.
The beach there is so beautiful!!!!!

sparklegirl84

I love napili bay, we stayed there on our honeymoon & the sea house has the Best mai tais! Our bartender had worked there since the 70s!

FSForever

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_hawaii_maui-weddingreception-venue-gannons-vs-napili-kaisea-house-need-help-to-decide?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:73Discussion:42a182da-91fe-4624-8384-07ef054caa03Post:77b92d65-9a1b-4ea2-976d-384840db57a7">Re: Maui wedding/reception Venue: Gannon's vs. Napili Kai/Sea House, need help to decide</a>:
[QUOTE]Alyson is spot on, Gannon's is a great choice.  It's a beautiful venue and Kihei is very much a more 'down to earth' town than say Wailea or the touristy areas up on the NorthWest side of the island.  There are plenty of gorgeous and reasonably priced condos right there and seriously - Gannon's is stunning.  If you are on Facebook go to photographer <strong>James Rubio's page and check out my friend Jocelyn's wedding at Gannons.</strong>  She got married a few months ago and her wedding was amazing and it will give you a good feel for what Gannon's ceremony area looks like. 
Posted by AKWinterBride[/QUOTE]

<div>Jen, I wasn't able to find a Jocelyn's. He's a great photographer so I had fun looking through his pictures. May be the headache I have had all day but could you link it? I would love to see them. </div>

mauidi

You're right about the food at the Sea House. I love the Sea House and its Chef Craig Erickson. There are so many venues that you can choose for the ceremony and reception at Napili Kai depending on the number of people you will have attending. I wouldn't worry about the weather too much - after all rain is a blessing on a marriage!  We got married there in early December - the photo locations are stunning and you can't beat the sunsets. Depending on how many guests you are having attend you should check with the hotel for a possible group rate for rooms. Have a wonderful wedding and enjoy your day.

sachachowchow

Thank you everyone for your input. After much debate, I have decided to go with Gannon's only because Napili Kai sold out all their rooms form my wedding week. Very strange! I guess it is a blessing. Now I can concentrate on having my wedding at Gannon's and staying at Mekana Golf Resort! Thanks again.